BUILDING WASH SERVICESA CHANCE TO CLEAN UP

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BWS is a franchise for effective managers who want a competitive edge in a massive market

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Building Wash Services have clients ready & waiting in urban areas all over the country

Simon Green, BWS

It might sound like a hands-on sort of business, but BWS (it stands for Building Wash Services) is actually a great opportunity for business builders with management and sales skills. ‘We have clients ready and waiting in urban areas all over the country, and if you already have a network of connections to leverage in your own region you can quickly build a substantial business,’ says Gael Gordon.

Gael joined BWS last year as General Manager. With a background in business ownership and corporate management, Gael has worked closely with BWS founders Simon and Nicola Green and the team from multi-award-winning Franchize Consultants to structure a highly professional franchise system which will take BWS throughout the country.

BWS was created back in 2009 when Simon and Nicola started investigating new business opportunities. Simon already had a successful career in commercial property sales and leasing so he knew the issues that landlords and tenants face in maintaining their buildings properly.

‘It’s not just about looking good; there are health and safety issues that make regular washing a must for commercial and industrial buildings,’ Simon explains. ‘In addition, warranties often require regular washing of exterior surfaces. For franchisees with the right know-how and equipment, that offers the prospect of significant recurring income.

‘Speaking with my larger institutional clients confirmed there was potential for a commercial building washing service using a more cost-effective method than the pricey and time-consuming scaffolding that others were using to meet health and safety regulations. We realised that solving that problem would give us a real competitive edge, so we did. Eight years later, we’re a market leader in Auckland and are ready to expand nationwide.’

Months of research, innovation and development, and practical training went into creating a simple and effective solution: a truck-mounted cherry-picker boom. ‘This is custom-built by Snorkel (a world leader in aerial work platforms) to give us a 16 metre reach,’ Simon explains. ‘That’s the average height of a five-storey building and higher than most big-box retail outlets. The boom truck itself is fully customised and fitted out with pumps, water heater and two high pressure extending wands. In short, it gives BWS operators everything they need to provide customers with a variety of options: high pressure water blasting; environmentally friendly bio-chemical soft washing; hot water washing; and floor and pavement scrubbing, as well as glass and internal cleaning.’

Offering a faster and better service, the idea proved an instant hit. With Nicola drumming up business, Simon was soon working full-time as one of the two boom operators, gaining hands-on experience that helped develop operational expertise and efficient techniques that form the basis of the new franchise. Today, BWS has four boom trucks, two ground-based wash trucks, six two-men crews, a warehouse and an office complex in Penrose.

‘BWS has proven to be a highly profitable business,’ says Gael. ‘We have many national big-box clients in Auckland who are just waiting for BWS to set up in urban centres all round the country. It’s a combination that has plenty to offer someone with proven business, management and sales skills.’

The investment required is around $330,000, which includes $200,000 for a brand new BWS turnkey boom truck (this can be substantially financed, of course). The total also includes induction and initial in-house training (which covers travel to and from Auckland, accommodation and living expenses); required training for employees, such as an elevated platform operator’s course and Site Safe Certification; office management and communication systems; the marketing launch fund and an owner’s vehicle.

The figure quoted also includes an amount for the franchisee’s initial accounting and legal costs and $30,000 for working capital – a full break-down is available on request.

Simon and Gael are looking to bring on board the right people as franchisees for urban areas throughout New Zealand, other than Auckland. ‘They need to share our enthusiasm, drive and commitment to exceeding expectations of service,’ says Gael.

‘Previous success as a business owner would be an asset, with proven sales skills and the ability to identify opportunities, meet targets and manage customer and staff relationships also paramount. And, while management experience is a must, they have to be prepared to get out there on the boom at first to learn the business inside out.’

Gael concludes, ‘A BWS franchise is an excellent opportunity. It is a business model which offers high income potential for franchisees who follow our proven processes and systems, and a franchise model that has been developed to be effective, profitable and sustainable. If you feel you have the right stuff, we’re keen to hear from you. To be honest, if I were 10 years younger I’d be the first putting up my hand.’